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The AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter sits down with CineSport’s Noah Coslov to react to the Falcons releasing Justin Blalock, Harry Douglas & Steven Jackson & to identify their targets in free agency.
Editor's note: Prior to the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. Tuesday, AJC.Com is counting down the top unrestricted free agents the Atlanta Falcons must decide on this offseason. At the combine general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that team met with agents for linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, special teamer Eric Weems and nose tackle Corey Peters. The Team is working hard on a deal with Weatherspoon, while Peters is headed to free agency. Here's a look at some of the players the Falcons are tracking.
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons don't plan to show defensive tackle Corey Peters the money.
The former third-round pick in the 2011 draft from out of Kentucky is prepared to hit the open market.
Peters arguably out-performed both the Falcons free agent pickups last season in nose tackle Paul Soliai (five-years, $33 million) and defensive end Tyson Jackson (five-years $25 million) last season.
Peters, who was coming off Achilles surgery, played for $1.6 million last season.
The Falcons also drafted defensive end RaShede Hagemen in the second round last season.
Several teams are interested in Peters, who may have played his last game with the Falcons. He is looking for a market value deal for his defensive tackle peer group.
“Coach Quinn has a very, very clear vision on how the scheme is going to be put together,” Dimitroff said. “We’re working diligently together along with our respective staffs to try to find the best players to fit into the mold of what he wants to build here.”
Peter was not listed in Bill Polian's grading of the free agents in what must have been an oversight.
Pro Football Focus rates Peters as the 55th best free agent.
Corey Peters, Defensive Interior: Rebounded nicely from a devastating Achilles injury with a solid 2014 effort. Teams will surely hope that a year further removed will see him closing in on the form that had many rightfully praising him during the 2013 season.
Corey Peters, five-year veteran
The skinny: Unrestricted free agent.
The snaps: Peters played 535 snaps last season. He played more snaps than Jackson (525), Soliai (519) and Hageman (224) and was rated hired that all three of them by Pro Football Focus.
The stats: He played in 15 games and made two starts. He had 26 tackles and two sacks.
2014 salary: $1.6 million
FALCONS POTENTIAL UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
K Matt Bryant - signed a three-year contract extension.
S Charles Godfrey --has re-signed with the team.
DE Cliff Matthews re-signed a two-year contract on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
TE Bear Pascoe is not returning to the team.
DT Corey Peters is likely headed for free agency. Team has a lot of cash tied up in Tyson Jackson and Paul Soliai. Also, snaps would free up for development of Rashede Hageman.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers
OT Jonathan Scott
RB Antone Smith
DE Osi Umenyiora
LB Sean Weatherspoon is likely the next player to sign a contract extension. Teams is working hard on this deal.
WR Eric Weems
FALCONS STORIES
Falcons to focus on adding another cornerstone
Quinn-Dimitroff partnership off to a strong start
Q&A with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Falcons coach Dan Quinn fired up to watch pass-rushers
Q&A with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on moving forward
Falcons to keep character filter on draft picks
Falcons close to re-signing kicker Matt Bryant
Falcons LT Jake Matthews recovering from offseason surgery
Falcons plan to extend WR Julio Jones contract
Falcons could target Denver TE Julius Thomas in free agency
Falcons' roster gutting could have big names (i.e. Steven Jackson)
Cutting the Falcons roster -- Should they stay or should they go?
COMBINE STORIES
Todd Gurley speaks about autograph-signing caper
Bucs appear set to cast future with Jameis Winston
Todd Gurley intriguing prospect to NFL teams
Chris Conley puts on a dazzling show at the combine
Waller, Smelter out to prove NFL standing at the combine
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
Watch: D. Led -- Falcons news at the combine
Watch: NFL Network's Mike Mayock at the combine
Watch: Todd Gurley has interviews set up with 24 NFL teams
Watch: Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff at the combine
Watch: Falcons coach Dan Quinn at the combine
Watch: Rams GM Les Snead on the pass-rush talent at the combine
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
PHOTO GALLERIES
Photographs from the 2015 NFL scouting combine
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